Doctors (Negotiations)

HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1308-9

5. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health if he will now invite representatives of the British Medical Association to meet him so that a further attempt may be made to ensure that the National Health Act will have the co-operation and good will of the doctors when it begins to operate on 5th July.

Mr. Bevan

I remain ready to co-operate closely with any professional spokesmen who want, with me, to make the new Service a success.

Mr. Lipson

Can the Minister go a little further and invite representatives of the doctors to meet him, because, in the interests of the Health Service, all the country wants is a victory for common sense?

Mr. Bevan

We all want a victory for common sense, but I should not be entitled to go behind the back of the House and suggest that Parliament can surrender any position it has taken up.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to make a start towards proper negotiations again by withdrawing a statement which he made about the "raucous voiced" leaders of the British Medical Association, who have now been shown clearly as only interpreting the wishes of their constituents?

Mr. Bevan

It remains to be seen how long they will interpret the wishes of their constituents. The answer to the hon. Member is that, as the Debate last week showed, every concession has been made by the Government. It is now time that concessions were made on the other side.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the Minister see that the loyal and gallant minority, of doctors who are willing to co-operate with the Government, is protected against any possible form of intimidation and victimisation?

Mr. Bevan

Certainly.

Mr. Lipson

Is the Minister aware that I am not asking him to go behind the back of Parliament, but to follow up some of the concessions which were suggested, or some of the doors he opened, in his speech in the House, to see if it is possible to resume negotiations?

Mr. Bevan

I am always ready to listen to any fresh representations that may be made to me. I have always been ready to meet the representatives of the medical profession, and am still ready if they have any fresh suggestions to make.